Higher-Risk Destinations

A 'border area' is considered to be within 22km (about 14 miles) of the border with the neighboring country

If transiting through a high or extreme destination, you can do so without requesting travel authorization unless you are staying more than 24 hours in the airport or are planning to leave the airport for any amount of time.

Below are definitions of risk ratings:

High Travel Risk: Countries or areas with a HIGH security risk have regular periods of political instability and associated problems of poor governance, including high levels of corruption and failed or failing institutions. Protests are frequently violent and may target or disrupt foreigners. There may be a high level of incidental risk to travelers and expatriates from terrorism, militancy or insurgency. Communal, sectarian or racial violence is common and foreigners may be directly targeted. Violent crime rates are typically high and scams targeting foreigners are common and often have police complicity. Infrastructure and internal security and emergency services are poor and there may be regular abuses of due legal process.

Extreme Travel Risk: Countries or areas rated with an EXTREME security risk may be in a state of war, failed states or states in which the government has lost control of significant portions of the country. Government control and law and order may be minimal or non-existent. There is a serious threat of violent targeted attacks against travelers and expatriates by terrorists, insurgents, sectarian, criminal or other extremist groups. Government and transport services are typically severely degraded or non-existent.

Extreme Medical Risk: Countries with an EXTREME medical risk rating have almost non-existent or severely overtaxed healthcare systems. This may be due to economic conditions, war and/or lack of governmental stability. Low-quality emergency services and dental care may not be accessible. Quality prescription drugs may not be available. Serious infectious disease such as typhoid, cholera, dengue fever, and malaria may pose a threat. Travelers with moderate or severe illnesses/injuries are likely to require an international evacuation.